But that kind of policy could backfire given FTC regulations on opt-outs.

The FTC's control over consumer protection extends to email communications with consumers. For clients who want to opt-out of corporate emails, the FTC provides guidelines about how the process should work.

The goal is to make it easy for users to unsubscribe. The regulations on that are part of the CAN-SPAM Act.

As part of the Act companies cannot require the recipient to give any personally identifying information beyond an email address, reports Ars Technica. They also can't make users visit more than a single page before honoring the opt-out request.

While LinkedIn requires users to provide a password before changing email preferences, they believe their policies are legal, according to a company rep.

The FTC appears unwilling to pin down what activities are or aren't within the regulations. While Ars Technica reporter Casey Johnston tried to pin down an FTC rep on what kinds of policies are accepted, the agency refused to commit. The rep declined to endorse certain methods for honoring an opt-out request.

That doesn't mean the FTC can't punish companies that require users to log in before unsubscribing. The practice does appear to require more personal information than just an email address and if users complain it could lead to a hearing.

Easily unsubscribing from unwanted emails isn't something that's often included in online privacy but it is something to take seriously. What's your policy?